Species library · Plants & herbs

Crown Vetch: poisonous

Coronilla varia

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Crown Vetch is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from May to August in the northern hemisphere. Found in Grassland, Disturbed ground.

☠ Poisonous
Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia)

Photo: (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandy Wolkenberg · iNaturalist

When Crown Vetch appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Crown Vetch is usually found in Grassland, Disturbed ground.

Look up Crown Vetch in the app

In the Forage app, Crown Vetch has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Crown Vetch: common questions

Is Crown Vetch poisonous?

Yes. Crown Vetch is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Crown Vetch appear?

Crown Vetch usually appears from May to August in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Crown Vetch grow?

Crown Vetch is usually found in Grassland, Disturbed ground.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits